What is Amitriptyline?
Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant with sedative effects that is prescribed to treat the symptoms of depression. Amitriptyline targets specific neurotransmitters to regulate mood. It may also be used to prevent migraines and treat nerve and back pain. Due to its sedative effects, Amitriptyline can cause dangerous side effects when combined with alcohol. It may take up to a month of taking Amitriptyline regularly for symptoms to improve.
How does Amitriptyline work?
Amitriptyline works by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain to improve overall mood. It comes in both tablet and liquid form, and may take up to six weeks to reach full effectiveness. Due to the side effects, tricyclic antidepressants like Amitriptyline are usually only prescribed when other treatments have not worked.